Course Overview:
Advanced Placement (AP) United States History
is a challenging class that is meant to be the
equivalent of a freshman college course and can
earn students college credit. It is a two-semester
survey of American history from the colonial period
to the present. Solid reading and writing skills,
along with a willingness to devote considerable
time to homework and study, are necessary to succeed.
Emphasis is placed on critical and evaluative
thinking skills, essay writing, interpretation
of original (primary) documents, and historiography.
Course Objectives:
1. Master a broad body of historical knowledge.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of historical
chronology.
3. Use historical data to support an argument
or position.
4. Interpret and apply data from original documents,
including cartoons, graphs, letters, etc.
5. Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation,
cause and effect, and compare and contrast.
6. Work effectively with others to produce products
and solve problems.
7. Prepare for and successfully pass the Advance
Placement Exam.
Course Texts and Readings:
1. Kennedy, Cohen, Bailey The American Pageant:
12th Edition
2. Zinn A Peoples History of the United States:
1492 to the Present
Study Techniques:
The reading load, especially in the first 7-10
weeks, is considerable. The amount of time required
for homework for this course will vary with your
reading speed. Assignments vary in length. Watch
your daily assignment sheet and plan ahead for
long assignments, supplemental readings, take
home essays, etc. Time management is an essential
skill for this class. You must take the responsibility
for budgeting your time.
Keys to Success:
The most important grading factors in this course
are consistent effort and improvement. Do not
be discouraged if your grades seem low in the
first six weeks. If you knew the material already,
you wouldn’t need the course. Effort and
improvement are weighed heavily in grading. What
you learn in terms of writing, thinking, and study
skills will be worth the effort!
Homework:
The work of learning has to take place outside
the classroom. The rule of thumb in college is
that for every hour in class spend 2 hours outside.
You must have done your reading before coming
to class. Therefore, reading journals (a collection
of your chapter outlines, article reviews, levels
of questions, etc…) will constitute ½
your total grade.
Grading:
The grading scale is as follows:
A=90% B=80% C=65% D=55%
This scale applies to tests, quizzes, and assignments.
Attendance:
Attendance in this course is essential. Much of
the material for success is provided through lecture/discussion.
Missing class creates problems.
Advanced Placement Exam:
The AP Exam for United States History will be
held May 9th in the morning. Registration for
the exam takes place in February. Although the
exam is not required, it is highly recommended
and may earn you college credit and/or advanced
placement. Those students who chose not to take
the AP Exam will be administered an AP like examination
which will count towards your final grade.
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